Volunteer roles in central london, greater london

We are looking for a finance professional to join our engaged and friendly board as Treasurer, with specific oversight of the charity’s financial management. While day-to-day financial administration is carried out by employees or external providers, the Treasurer works closely with them and the Board to ensure sound financial governance. The Treasurer provides financial leadership, helps trustees understand the organisation’s finances, and ensures that the charity meets its financial and statutory obligations.

You will have a qualification in Financial Management, Accounting, or Audit, and a strong understanding of financial management in the voluntary or business sectors. Previous charity experience is not necessary, but a willingness to undertake training is essential (usually one day).

You will have the ability to communicate financial information clearly to those without financial expertise and be a strategic thinker, with the ability to balance financial scrutiny with broader trustee responsibilities.

Our board meet once a month (either virtually or in person in London) for around 90 minutes. We aim to have strategy days twice a year. You will meet with the CEO and Finance Manager once a month, and be available for ad hoc emails, advice. Trustees are usually appointed for a three-year term, which can usually be extended. 

We will provide access to training (typically one day) if you do not have direct experience in charity finance.

You will also bring a commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of the charity, and a desire to help children and young people who have experienced grief.

The International Academy of Secrets Wisdom welcomes volunteers to contribute to its educational and administrative activities.
Even if you have no prior experience, you are welcome to join under direct supervision by experienced staff to ensure quality and skill development.

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### Personal Information
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Country / City
- Age
- Primary Language (Arabic / English)

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### Available Volunteering Fields (choose one or more)
- Human Resources (HR)
- Executive Assistant to CEO
- Trainer
- Marketer
- Sales Team
- Zoom Room Supervisor
- Content Writer
- Podcast Host
- Accountant
- Business Manager
- Fundraising Campaign Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Certificates Officer
- Arabic–English Translator
- Lawyer (preferably specialized in corporate law, based in the UK)

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### Benefits
- Experience certificate in the chosen field (minimum 7 months of volunteering required).
- Opportunity to obtain a paid contract after the volunteering period, as the academy grows.
- Work will be online (remote).

Who We Are  

Causeway supports marginalised and vulnerable people to recover from trauma and develop safe and fulfilling futures. Our Modern Slavery and Crime Reduction services include safe houses, outreach, community programmes, holistic crisis interventions and signposting into counselling, training and employment.

We drive change nationally through research, campaigning and strategic partnerships. Causeway’s four crime reduction services provide crime and violence reduction programmes for those committed to breaking their cycle of criminality. Our trauma-informed approach to supporting those who commit crime has proved successful in reducing rates of reoffending, which not only benefits the individuals involved, but reduces the number of victims and creates a safer society for all.

Role Summary  

How this role fits into the vision and objectives of Causeway  

Our trustees bring strategic oversight and direction; to ensure Causeway is true to its purpose and effective in its strategic objectives, whilst ensuring all governance responsibilities are fulfilled. They champion the people we support, promote the charity and its work and bring expertise to purposefully develop Causeway and its impact.

Who are we looking for? 

Causeway are looking to recruit a Treasurer to the Board who is willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and support the strategic growth of the charity. We are particularly looking for our Treasurer to have:

• A relevant accounting qualification.

• Experience of charity accounting and relevant accounting standards.

• Ability to maintain overview of the financial affairs of the charity, ensuring its viability and proper financial records and procedures.

• A confident networker who will bring relevant connections and facilitate introductions for the benefit the charity.

• Experience in working with a Charity Board and subcommittees.

• Someone with at a minimum of two years governance experience

It is important that trustees reflect our geographical reach in the North, and that we have diversity of knowledge, experience and background on the trustee board. If you have lived experience relevant to our work or can bring a perspective that is under-represented, we strongly encourage you to come forward.  

Trustee vacancy: UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET)

Founded in 1993, the UK Bangladesh Education Trust [UKBET], a UK registered charity and international NGO registered in Bangladesh, is looking for one or two new dynamic trustees to join our board, supporting the charity’s mission to help end child labour in Bangladesh.  

Our Doorstep Learning Programme engages and supports child domestic workers (95% girls) and their families. Trained and supported community teachers provide three individual or small group literacy, numeracy and life skills sessions for these working children as well as signposting for their families. A key aim is to support the children’s progression out of child labour to school or, for older children to vocational training. UKBET’s Family Futures microgrants address the root causes of child labour – family poverty.  Parents can use these grants to start or continue small businesses to increase their family income, removing the need to send their children to work and enabling them to join school or, for older working children, vocational training.

Our work is funded through charitable donations, fundraising and grants.

The UK Board of Trustees set the direction for the charity and support the work of the Executive Director and his team who also benefit from an Advisory Group based in Sylhet, Bangladesh.  We meet on line three or four times a year, and as needed, plus try to have an annual in person away day meeting. There are currently four experienced Trustees with a range of expertise across finance, income generation and education. We are seeking one or two new Trustees to join us, ideally leading in one or more of the following areas:

· Organisational efficiency to assume the role of Secretary

· Knowledge and connections to build interest and financial support from Bangladesh and/or the British Bangladeshi community

· Skills and expertise in social media and comms.

For more details on the role, please see the supporting Background information and JD.

To apply, please send your CV with a covering email outlining how you meet the JD criteria and telling us about any special areas of expertise and interest you could bring to the role.

Calm Nest Collective
Calm Nest Collective is a female-founded startup creating quiet, sensory rooms and offering consulting on neuroinclusion, accessibility, and holistic wellbeing for events and workplaces.

At Calm Nest Collective, we address the rising need for mental wellbeing support, neuroinclusion, and accessibility in high-stress environments like events and workplaces, while promoting social equity and sustainable practices that prioritise people and the planet.

Our Calm Nest Spaces are thoughtfully designed to support mental wellbeing and provide a safe, inclusive environment for individuals to decompress and recharge - especially those who are neurodivergent or experiencing stress and overwhelm.

By combining practical solutions with inclusive design, we help events and workplaces become safer, more supportive, and truly human-centered spaces for everyone.

Brand & Marketing Strategist

Calm Nest Collective is looking for a creative and purpose-driven Brand & Marketing Strategist to support us in strengthening how we communicate our mission of building calmer, more inclusive, and neuro-friendly spaces across events, workplaces, and communities.

Many founders think they need better marketing, but what they really need is a clearer brand foundation.
This role will help us align both.

As our volunteer Brand & Marketing Strategist, you will:

• Help refine our brand strategy: positioning, values, voice, audience, messaging, build ICP.
• Clarify how Calm Nest Collective shows up visually and verbally across channels.
• Translate our brand foundations into a meaningful marketing strategy.
• Support the creation of aligned, ethical campaigns that reflect our mission.
• Strengthen community engagement through storytelling and content ideas.
• Ensure consistency of tone and messaging across platforms.

You’ll work closely with the founder to ensure that who we are and how we communicate are fully aligned, creating momentum, clarity, and deeper emotional connection with the people we serve.
This is a volunteer role ideal for someone passionate about wellbeing, inclusion, mental health advocacy, sustainability, and purpose-led branding who wants to contribute their skills to a meaningful mission while growing experience in brand + marketing strategy.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Wekume

Wekume is a comprehensive mobile app designed to provide university students in Uganda with seamless access to reproductive health services, including counseling, testing, products, and health education, while also offering personal development resources like business incubation and career-building opportunities.

Social Media Team Lead

About us: Wekume is a youth-led movement empowering students to reach their full potential by breaking barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) through collaboration, empathy, innovation, and community. Our core product — the Wekume app — provides university students with trusted, discreet access to lifesaving tools like SafeChat, QuickTest, ARV Corner, and SRH product ordering. Together with our on-campus engagements and social media platforms, Wekume helps students protect themselves and rewrite the narrative around SRH in Uganda.

Position Summary: The Social Media Team Lead will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive social media strategy that aligns with our organization's mission and fundraising goals. This role will lead a small team or a group of volunteers, and be responsible for creating engaging content, managing our social media platforms, and analyzing performance to drive growth and impact. The ideal candidate is passionate about our cause, a skilled storyteller, and has a proven track record of using social media to build community and inspire action.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and manage a strategic social media plan across all relevant platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok).
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of social media coordinators, interns, or volunteers.
• Set and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for social media, ensuring all efforts contribute to organizational goals.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends, tools, and best practices, and integrate them into our strategy.

2. Content Creation & Management:

• Oversee the creation of a content calendar and ensure timely and consistent posting.
• Generate high-quality, compelling, and mission-aligned content, including text, images, and videos.
• Develop and execute social media campaigns for fundraising, awareness, and advocacy.
• Ensure all content is on-brand and in line with our communication guidelines.

3. Community Engagement:

• Monitor and engage with our online community, responding to comments and messages in a timely and professional manner.
• Foster a positive and inclusive online community that supports our mission.
• Identify and engage with key influencers, partners, and community members to amplify our message.

4. Performance Analysis & Reporting:

• Track, analyze, and report on social media performance on a regular basis.
• Use data to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of campaigns, and inform future strategies.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on social media progress and impact.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments (e.g., fundraising, programs, communications) to ensure social media efforts support their objectives.
• Collaborate on integrated campaigns and special projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• [Number] years of experience in social media management, with at least [Number] years in a leadership or team lead role.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful social media strategies for a non-profit organization, cause-driven brand, or similar.
• Proficiency with social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with social media analytics tools (e.g., Facebook Insights, Google Analytics).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong ability to tell a compelling story.
• Experience in creating and editing visual content (photos, videos) is a plus.
• A deep passion for and commitment to the mission of [Non-Profit Organization Name].

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly, values-driven charity making a real difference to people experiencing homelessness. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will do our best to meet accessibility needs.

Housing Justice brings together communities and finds solutions to homelessness by building personal connections, a sense of belonging, and creating justice in the housing system. Through compassionate, courageous, and collaborative action, we support over 100 community-run night shelters, deliver our own services to help people find and sustain tenancies, and influence national policy to create a fairer housing system.

We are now seeking two Finance Trustees to strengthen our Board. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with charity finance expertise who can support our Finance Subcommittee and provide insight and guidance to the wider Board.

For the full role description and requirements, please see the attached JD and Person Specification.

Volunteer with Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure

Stepping Stones is a small, friendly charity in Southwark providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for volunteers to support our sessions in:

• Art (Tuesday afternoons)
• Dance Fit (Thursday mornings and/or afternoons)
• Social Club (Thursday afternoons)
• Drama (Friday afternoons)

These weekly groups offer creative, social, and wellbeing-focused opportunities for our learners, led by experienced tutors in a relaxed, supportive setting.

All sessions take place at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations)

What You’ll Do

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting adults with learning disabilities to participate fully in the sessions, connect with others, and enjoy meaningful activities. Your role might include:

• Setting up and packing away equipment and materials
• Welcoming students and their carers or support workers
• Offering encouragement and practical support in one-to-one or small group settings
• Helping tutors to deliver fun, engaging activities

All sessions are led by experienced tutors, and you’ll be part of a warm and supportive staff and volunteer team who are committed to inclusion, creativity and care.

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Build experience working with adults with learning disabilities
• Gain hands on involvement in creative, wellbeing and social activities
• Be part of a welcoming and friendly team
• Develop your confidence, communication and teamwork skills
• Make a meaningful contribution to your local community
• Learn from people with diverse experiences 

Whether you’re exploring a career in social care or looking to give back and become a stronger link in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an expert! We’re looking for people with the right attitude, values, and willingness to support others. Even if you don’t have experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, the following qualities are especially helpful:

• Enthusiasm and positivity. Your energy can set the tone for the group. A cheerful presence helps create a welcoming and encouraging environment.
• Patience. Some learners may take time to engage or communicate. Patience helps build trust and ensures everyone feels supported.
• Reliable and punctual. Many of our learners value consistency and routine. Being dependable helps build rapport and ensures the session runs smoothly.
• Inclusive communication skills. You should feel confident listening carefully, offering clear instructions or encouragement, and adapting your communication to meet individual needs.
• Inclusive and non-judgemental. We welcome people from all walks of life. An open-minded approach helps every learner feel accepted and valued.
• Adaptable and flexible. Things don’t always go to plan. A calm, flexible approach helps maintain a relaxed and safe environment for our sessions to run.
• Ready to get stuck in! Many sessions involve art, music or movement. You don’t need to be an expert, but a willingness to join in and get involved makes a big difference.

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an induction meeting
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and answer the following questions (these will come up when you hit "Apply"):

• What session(s) would you like to volunteer in?
• Why you would like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you will bring to your volunteering role?

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes

• Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
• Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-2:30
• Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
• St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
• Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00

The role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
• Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
• Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
• Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
• Reliability.
• Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.

We are looking for a male mentor volunteer to provide guidance, support, and inspiration to young boys in our Brent Domestic Abuse Service. You will act as a positive role model by offering a listening ear for challenges, helping build social connections, and developing life skills like self-esteem, respecting others, and decision-making. This role requires empathy, reliability, and a commitment to a positive, non-judgmental approach. If you would like to make a difference, get in touch!

Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

In the last year, 3,855 women and children were supported by Hestia to recover from domestic abuse.

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, at any point in their life, regardless of their background, age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. However, it is a gendered crime, with women being three times more likely to be victims.

We help people understand what domestic abuse is and develop the knowledge, skills and tools they need to protect themselves, stay safe and leave a relationship, if and when they’re ready to do so.

What you will be doing

• Build a trusting relationship with a young boy by being a supportive, compassionate, and empathetic friend and role model
• Help the young person identify and work toward personal and academic goals
• Provide guidance and support on challenges the young boy faces, helping them consider various options and make positive life choices
• Support the young person in developing positive life skills and problem-solving abilities
• Assist in making social connections within the local community or through other positive activities and groups

The skills you need

• Ability to listen effectively and non-judgmentally
• A genuine desire to support young people and an ability to understand their needs and concerns
• Willingness to serve as a positive example and share experiences, if appropriate
• A commitment to working with the young person over a sustained period to foster growth and positive change

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Reports to: Chief People Officer
Direct Reports: HRBP Lead, HR Managers
Team Structure: Six HR Teams (HRBP team, Recruitment, Learning & Development, Volunteer Relations, Policy, and Engagement) – supported by Senior HR Officers and HR Officers
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Head of HR to lead and oversee our HR function at a pivotal time in YouthAdvantage UK’s ambition to become a registered charity.

Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you’ll provide strategic leadership to a multi-layered HR structure, directly managing our HRBP Lead and HR Managers, and overseeing five core teams that support the organisation’s people and culture strategy.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR leader who wants to give back by mentoring the next generation of HR professionals, shaping policy and practice, and helping us build a strong, inclusive, and values-led volunteer workforce across the UK.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities
•Provide overall leadership to the HR function, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and values.
•Manage and coach HRBP Lead and HR Managers to ensure smooth delivery across all people-related functions.
•Oversee and guide the five core HR teams:
oRecruitment – ensuring effective onboarding of skilled and diverse volunteers.
oLearning & Development – supporting volunteer upskilling and capability-building.
oVolunteer Relations – maintaining engagement, support, and wellbeing.
oPolicy – upholding inclusive, clear, and robust HR governance.
oEngagement – fostering culture, recognition, and retention.
•Partner with the Chief People Officer on strategic planning, workforce design, and key organisational initiatives.
•Lead succession planning and ensure continuity across all volunteer HR roles.
•Monitor performance and facilitate cross-team collaboration.
•Champion inclusive, accessible practices across the organisation.

What We're Looking For:
We’re looking for someone who’s experienced enough to hit the ground running and humble enough to grow with us. 
You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
•Solid operational HR experience, ideally across generalist and specialist areas such as recruitment, employee relations/law, L&D, and policy.
•Previous line management experience, with a demonstrable record of supporting and developing HR team members or volunteers.
•A practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach - someone who is hands-on, accessible, and able to get things done in a busy, volunteer-led environment.
•A strategic mindset, but also the willingness to dig into day-to-day HR activity and problem-solving.
•A collaborative, coaching-ready attitude - this is a great opportunity for someone who has enough experience to stand on their own feet, but is open to being coached by the Chief People Officer to further develop their leadership style.
•Good communication and people skills, with the ability to work across different functions and with a wide range of volunteers.
•An interest in or understanding of the third sector and volunteer engagement is a bonus, but not essential.
•Experience working remotely or in hybrid teams is helpful.
•Above all, a genuine passion for youth empowerment and a belief in what we’re building at YouthAdvantage UK.

What You’ll Gain
•A chance to lead a national HR function with real-world complexity and purpose.
•The opportunity to mentor and develop emerging HR talent.
•Practical experience shaping HR strategy within the third sector.
•Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This role is completely voluntary. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. It is ideal for experienced HR professionals looking to give back, stay active in leadership, or contribute to a values-led organisation in a meaningful way.

Apply Now
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape a dynamic, inclusive, and youth-focused volunteer organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for a Drama Volunteer to support our weekly drama group on Friday afternoons, held at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).

About the Role

This role is ideal for someone with a background or strong interest in drama, theatre or performance. You’ll support our Drama Tutor to deliver inclusive and engaging drama sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Each year, the group works towards a production which is performed at our end-of-year Summer Show, making this a fun, creative, and rewarding volunteering opportunity.

As a Drama Volunteer, you will:

• Assist the tutor in planning and running weekly drama activities
• Encourage and support learners during rehearsals and performances
• Help with setting up props, costumes and resources for sessions
• Offer 1:1 or small group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help build a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Gain hands-on experience in drama facilitation and inclusive practice
• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Feel the joy of supporting learners to grow in confidence and express themselves
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be a professional actor or drama teacher, just someone who is enthusiastic about drama and passionate about inclusion. We especially value:

• A background or interest in drama, theatre, or performance
• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment, especially in the lead-up to the summer show
• Flexibility to support a creative, sometimes unpredictable environment

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an induction meeting
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.

Main Responsibilities

• Helping support UI creation in the long term

• Maintaining product integrite

• Ensuring productivity within Easing Anxeities’ product creation 

• Clear communication with all other trustee members 

Qualities of a UI/UX

• A clear understanding of app design with a clear passion to 

• Having a long term strategy for the future UI/UX of Easing Axieites with a passion to progress

• Clear communication with expectations set for all trustees and volunteers

• A willingness to progress their skill set throughout the future of Easing Anxieites

•  

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on Easing Anxieties’ purpose, vision, goals and activities. 

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee Easing Anxieties’ financial plans and budgets, and monitor and evaluate progress. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitore,d and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve Easing Anxieties financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to Easing Anxieties CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in Easing Anxieites’ operating environment.

•  Contribute to regular reviews of Easing Anxieties own governance.

• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Easing Anxieties’ interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of Easing Anxieites’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values, Easing Anxieties. 

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a [2] year term of office, renewal for [2] further terms to a maximum of [10] years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending [4] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely.

• You will be a member of a sub-committee which will meet [6] times in a year.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays. 

Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.

The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.

The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.

Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.